Abstract:
Complex systems such as Cellular Automata (CA) produce global behaviour based
on the interactions of simple units (cells). Their evolution is specified by local
interaction rules that generate some form of ordered, complex or chaotic
behaviour. This wide variety of behaviour represents an important generative tool
for the artist. Chaotic behaviour dominates rule space, which has serious
implications for the serendipitous use of these systems in artistic endeavour. A
fresh insight into a recognised key problem, the structure of rule space, is
presented based on empirical evidence. This provides a method for creating groups
of rules with a broad range of behaviour for application Within generative arts
practice and will also be of interest to scientific practitioners.
